P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
As one year ends and another begins, it is a natural time to do some personal searching. We use David’s prayer as our guide.
Together we will pray (P.R.A.Y.) each day – ‘P’: Pausing to be still as we come into the presence of the Lord. ‘R’: Rejoicing as we remember who our God is and what He has done, and Reflecting on His word. ‘A’: Asking God to help us and others. And ‘Y’: yielding to His will in accordance with His word.
As I come before you to pray, I still my thoughts and quiet my mind. I seek to make you the center of my focus.
Prayer of Approach
Lord, I am safe with you. You are the God who was born to die so that I can have life. As I enter into this time, fill me with your Holy Spirit. It is your kindness that leads me to repentance.
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24
This would be terrifying to do if you and I were the audience of this prayer. There should be no terror here. Firstly, God already knows all of us. Secondly, he doesn’t run from us. Remember, it is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance. Let the Spirit stir your soul and find rest in the Lord today. This is all about clarity and not condemnation!
Lord, search me today. Reveal my heart. Let me see my grievous ways not to be shamed, but to find forgiveness and the way everlasting in you. I am never closer to you, the vinedresser, as when you are pruning me. Let me rest in your work and power today.
Closing Prayer
Lord, enable me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love you today with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to serve you today, by loving and caring for others as I do my own self; and, to exalt you today, by telling the people in my world about the abundant and eternal life found only through faith in Jesus